Vandenberg, Hawks looking at tremendous opportunity

Posted:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:35 PM EST

KWWL (IOWA CITY)-- Tuesday head coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed that quarterback Ricky Stanzi did undergo surgery for his injured ankle. This is the latest setback for a Hawkeye team that's faced challenges all year, and it comes as they prepare for the biggest game of the season.

Red shirt freshman quarterback James Vandenberg will start his first collegiate game at the Horseshoe in front of 105 thousand fans with a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth on the line.

No room for nerves. He says this is a once in a life time opportunity.

"It's a great situation to walk into actually. What more could I ask for? Chances are you could never be in this situation again. I just plan on making the most of it and putting in as much effort this week as I can to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible," said Vandenberg.

"You couldn't ask for a tougher starting contest for him. He'll get good support. He'll be prepared. I'm not going to measure him over the next 60 minutes of play. He'll continue to improve. He's a quality football player, and he works hard. I have total confidence in him," said Ferentz.

"You want to go out on top and this is kind of our chance to win this Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. We put ourselves in this position and it's can we finish it, and get the job done?"

"If there is any good news on the injury front, Ferentz says two key players could be back.

Ferentz says there's a fair chance we could see punt returner and wide receiver Colin Sandeman and safety Brett Greenwood on Saturday.

The Waterloo Black Hawks scored early and often to take down the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17s 6-4 on Saturday night. The Black Hawks, who opened the night tied for first place in the west division, took sole possession over idle Omaha with the win.

The Waterloo Black Hawks scored early and often to take down the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17s 6-4 on Saturday night. The Black Hawks, who opened the night tied for first place in the west division, took sole possession over idle Omaha with the win.

Spencer Lee topped Nick Suriano of Rutgers 5-1 to capture the first national championship by a Hawkeye true freshman in 25 years. Lee, the number three seed at 125 pounds, took down Suriano with three seconds remaining in the first period to grab a 2-0 lead.

Spencer Lee topped Nick Suriano of Rutgers 5-1 to capture the first national championship by a Hawkeye true freshman in 25 years. Lee, the number three seed at 125 pounds, took down Suriano with three seconds remaining in the first period to grab a 2-0 lead.